When Jeep® staged its EV Day presentation in 2021, one of the most eye-catching moments came when a Wrangler concept was paired with a drone flying overhead. At the time, many dismissed it as a theatrical flourish meant to emphasize Jeep’s adventurous spirit. Now, four years later, Stellantis has taken the first concrete steps toward making that idea a reality.
On September 2, 2025, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted Stellantis (FCA US) a patent for a in-vehicle-integrated drone docking station. The system is designed to house a drone inside the cabin, charge it when not in use, and launch it vertically through an opening in the roof when conditions allow. The patent’s detail suggests FCA US is serious about bringing drone integration into the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram lineup in the coming years.
Building on an Earlier Breakthrough –
This wasn’t FCA US’ first foray into drone-related intellectual property. Back in January, we discussed how the automaker had an earlier patent publication titled “Method to control a vehicle as a function of data from a vehicle-based drone.” That filing represented a leap in how vehicles could interact with aerial systems. Rather than treating the drone as a toy or camera-on-wings, Stellantis described using drone-collected data to actually influence vehicle operation.
The document outlined how a drone could feed information about terrain, obstacles, or environmental conditions back to the vehicle’s ECU. With that input, the ECU could suggest new routes, warn of hazards, or even adjust driving dynamics. For example, a Jeep Wrangler climbing in Moab might send its drone up a few hundred feet to check the condition of the trail beyond the next ridge. If the drone detects a washed-out path or a rockslide, the vehicle could alert the driver and recommend an alternate line.
The Docking Station Patent –
The new September 2025 patent solves the second half of the puzzle: how to make the drone an everyday, integrated tool rather than an accessory. Stellantis envisions a cargo bin-based docking station with a lid that keeps the drone secure when not in use. The dock is wired to charge the drone’s battery so it’s always ready to fly.
When the driver requests a launch through the Uconnect screen or a paired mobile device, the ECU checks safety conditions first. If the vehicle is parked, the roof panel is open, and weather sensors don’t detect rain or high wind, the ECU will authorize deployment. The drone can then rise vertically through a sunroof, moonroof, or removable roof panel, avoiding the need for a flat takeoff spot outside the vehicle.
During flight, the ECU continues to monitor conditions. If weather deteriorates or the vehicle begins moving, the system can recall the drone and command it to re-dock. This approach keeps the drone from becoming a liability and ensures that the vehicle always maintains control of the system.
Why It Fits the Stellantis Portfolio –
Jeep is the brand most closely tied to the drone idea. The ability to scout trails ahead, map obstacles, or capture dramatic footage fits perfectly with Jeep’s adventurous image. Ram benefits in a different way, where utility is the driving factor. A drone could become a jobsite tool as much as a trail scout. Chrysler, too, could find family-focused uses, from recording aerial footage of vacations to scouting campsites before pulling in.
The technology could even support Dodge, albeit less directly. While not tied to off-roading or jobsite tasks, enthusiasts could use the drone to record drag strip passes or road course laps from a unique perspective.
Industry Context –
Stellantis isn’t alone in exploring drones. Rivian has teased “spotter drone” ideas, and General Motors (GM) has filed similar patents for off-road applications. Chinese automakers have shown concept cars with trunk-launched drones. But most of those remain design exercises. Stellantis is different because it now holds two complementary patents that show real engineering detail.
The docking station addresses power management, safety checks, and physical integration. The earlier control patent addresses how to put the drone’s data to use. Combined, they suggest Stellantis has a roadmap for turning Jeep’s 2021 teaser into a factory option by the late 2020s.
Challenges Ahead –
As with any breakthrough, obstacles remain. FAA rules will be the toughest hurdle, especially restrictions on launching drones from moving vehicles. Stellantis may need to restrict deployment to stationary conditions. Durability is another challenge, as docks will need to withstand dust, mud, snow, and temperature extremes. Battery limitations persist, though built-in charging helps mitigate them. Cost will also be a factor—will buyers see enough value in a drone-equipped Wrangler or Ram to justify the price?
To bring the system to market, Stellantis will need to balance:
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Regulation, ensuring FAA compliance.
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Durability, engineering a rugged dock.
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Battery management, keeping flight times useful.
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Affordability, making it more than just a gimmick.
Final Thoughts –
It’s important to remember that patents don’t guarantee production. Automakers routinely file intellectual property to protect ideas that may never leave the engineering department. Stellantis’ in-vehicle drone docking station could remain a concept on paper, never making its way into a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram showroom.
That said, the combination of this new docking patent with Stellantis’ earlier drone-data control filing shows the company isn’t just sketching futuristic ideas—it’s building a framework that could actually work. For Jeep and Ram customers, that means the dream of a vehicle with a built-in aerial scout isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed.
While there are regulatory, durability, and cost hurdles still to clear, Stellantis has taken a clear step toward turning Jeep’s 2021 teaser into something more than a gimmick. The patents don’t promise production, but they do signal that the possibility of factory-integrated, in-vehicle drone technology is closer to reality than ever before.
Source: USPTO.gov
